Ecclesiastes 3:6 – Start The Day

^”a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,” NIV
“A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;” NKJV

God of time and purpose,

A time to keep. I can’t think this is about keeping possessions or wealth. Remembering what You said warning the man in the parable wanting to building bigger barns! (Luke 12:18-20). I cannot think it means keeping things just as they are, or we would still be washing everything by hand! You constantly tell us we are on a journey whether resting, walking or running! (Proverbs 3:6, Hebrews 12:1).

What are the things I treasure and keep? I do have items of no value which remind me of good times. I treasure my friends. Do I treasure my relationship with You in Jesus Christ more than all? The pearl of great price (Matthew 1345,46). Do I really treasure You! Not always perfectly – but then I remember You treasure me always. This is what the enemy would love to steal (1 Peter 5:8). Our peace from sin forgiven, our trust in the cross, our hope of our wonderful future with You.

Now is the time to recognise, reject and throw away his doubts, contradictions half lies and lies. Especially when he comes when we are vulnerable and weak. Hebrews 12:2 also reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross, scorning its shame. The enemy can make us doubt. But he cannot separate us from You (Romans 8:38,39). We are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we are loved eternally (John 15:9).Help us keep and treasure Your truth in our hearts.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God our Father,

For our family, friends, neighbours. Their needs for today and blessings to show You love them.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Encouragement and guidance of Your Spirit.
For the neighbourhood where we live and those who live around us, run the shops, doctors, school teachers, dustbin men.
For the Royal family. Strength for today and a successful end to treatment for Charles and Kate.
For our nation and our future representatives in Government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to make a way to peace. Talk before war.
For Ukraine, continued support from other nations and a move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
For those who are struggling to keep the faith and are hurt, disappointed or in pain.
For our local councillors, local magistrates and neighbourhood police.
For us a day to remember and treasure all the times You have been faithful and blessed us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 20th June 2024
The second verse came to mind today and I had to search to hum and sing till I remembered how it started!

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea;
a great High Priest whose name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
my name is written on his heart.
I know that while in heav’n he stands
no tongue can bid me thence depart,
no tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God the just is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me,
to look on him and pardon me.

Behold him there, the risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace.
At one with him, I cannot die;
my soul is purchased by his blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
with Christ my Savior and my God,
with Christ my Savior and my God.

Lyrics: Charitie Lees Bancroft

^”a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,” NIV
“A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;” NKJV
“A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.” NLT
Ecclesiastes 3:6

God of seasons and purposes,

I am finding Ecclesiastes chapter 3 has much to consider in what it does not say! It often raises questions, not easily, if ever answered this side of heaven.

I love programmes where people are searching for family or their ancestry. I find myself crying with them and remember how You found me, God. I discovered You had always loved and wanted me. But I wonder about the programmes not made because they do not find anyone at all! You promised that if we seek You we will always find You (Matthew 7:7). Here in Ecclesiastes You say there is a time to give up seeking some other things, to quit searching? Perhaps there are some things we do not need to find the answers to? Or are not meant to? Or they are a distraction and could become all consuming? Then we must let go?

The “why” questions Lord are open ended and I find it difficult to let go sometimes. And sometimes I find answers or make peace over something troubling me years later when I have almost forgotten the question! Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that the thoughts that You think toward us, Your plans for us, are for prosperity (flourishing, thriving), peace, and not for evil so we can know our future and final end. Help us to accept there are unanswerable questions for now and know that You will reveal what we need to know and can understand. What to keep looking and searching for and what we should just let go. So that we can grow towards Your light and not be like the moths fluttering towards distractions.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of seasons and purposes,

For our family, friends, neighbours. We commit them to Your care and provision and best..
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Joy and faith in service.
For the neighbourhood where we live and those who live around us, the shops, doctors, schools.
For the Royal family. A balance between service, regaining good health and family.
For our nation and future Government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to make a way to peace.
For Ukraine, continued support from other nations and a move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
For those who face hospital treatment, dentists, physiotherapy this week.
For the NHS, our justice system and police force. Place those among the leadership and management with Your vision for the future.
For us to know and see You working in Your mysterious ways for good in our day, whatever we need to do or not do!

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 19th June 2024
Another traditional hymn which I love to the new tune.

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm

Deep in unsearchable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will

Take courage now ye fearful saints
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head

And I will trust
The hands that made the starry heavens
And I will trust
The wounds of Calvary
And I will trust
And I will not be afraid
For all his ways are love

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face

His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower

Lyrics: William Cowper
New music by Graham Kendrick.

William Cowper suffered chronic depression. Hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional stability. For the last twenty of his life Cowper lived in Olney, and John Newton became his pastor. He assisted Newton in his pastoral duties, and the two worked together on the important hymn collection Olney Hymns (1779). To which William Cowper contributed sixty-eight hymn texts. The above being one of them.